2003–2005

As soon as the Iraq war began, MUA got strongly involved with the anti-war movement in search of peace and justice. MUA’s members and personnel participated in demonstrations, community forums and other series of activities to stop the war.

MUA joined forces with “Latinos contra La Guerra” (Latinos Against War) and organized a series of vigils in the corner of 24th and Mission (San Francisco) in order to inform the community about the connection between the attacks launched by the United States in the Middle East and the attacks against immigrants being launched here. More than ever, MUA began seeing it’s work from a global point of view.

Together with two consultants, MUA’s personnel and members completed the Strategic Planning process. More than 10 members participated in the Strategic Planning Committee. Many of MUA’s members also participated in three retreats to discuss and share their opinions on the Proposals the Committee had prepared. As a result, in 2004, the Strategic Plan was completed, a document that would guide MUA during the next 5 years.

As a result of the Strategic Planning process, MUA designed and presented the first series of trainings for the new Committees of MUA’s Membership. New Member Mentors, Group Facilitators, and Peer Counselors were trained and began their work. This was a huge accomplishment! Through these trainings, more than 40 women acquired new leadership roles in the group. MUA continued to train 40-50 new women for each committee each year.

MUA joined with local allies POWER and The Women’s Collective of the Day Laborer Program of Laza Centro Legal to launch a local campaign for Household Workers’ Rights. Members from all three organizations designed a comprehensive survey, translate it into four different languages, and interview more than 300 workers about working conditions and areas for change. Together, the members analyze the results and plan a campaign for workers’ rights.

In 2004, MUA’s personnel and members began a fundraising campaign for the celebration of the organization’s 15th Anniversary or “Quinceañera.” This campaign raised $150,000 over two years, reconnected MUA with many past supporters, and introduced new donors to MUA’s work. MUA’s anniversary was celebrated in 2005 with a community event attended by more than 350 members and supporters.